Healthy Eating For A Healthy Heart

BY JASON D. ANTOS

(L. to r.); Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Mount Sinai Queens Shelly Felder, Sacramone, UCCA President Rose Marie Poveromo and Mount Sinai Queens Community Relations and Volunteer Services Director Ana M. Rodriguez at Central Sushi Bar and Lounge. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about every 25 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event. With heart disease the leading cause of disability more and more Americans are searching for ways to take better care of their cardiovascular health.

Enter Rocco Sacramone, chef and owner of Astoria’s Trattoria L’incontro. The renowned chef teamed up with Mount Sinai Queens and the United Community Civic Association (UCCA) on February 23 in recognition of American Heart Month for a cooking and tasting event at Central Sushi Bar and Lounge in Astoria.

More than 300 guests were able to sample two heart healthy dishes that promote positive eating for good cardiovascular health.

Sacramone and Mount Sinai Queens Nutritionist Allison Caplowaith, RD, CDN, answered questions from the audience about the do’s and don’ts of healthy cooking.
Photos Jason D. Antos “Even though I am not the poster gal for heart healthy eating, I am very pleased that so many people are aware of how important it is to eat healthy. I thank Rocco Sacramone who is my own personal chef and Nick Neocleous who is a member of UCCA’s board of directors for all their kindness and community spirit, ” UCCA President Rose Marie Poveromo said.

Chef and Owner of Astoria’s Trattoria L’incontro Rocco Sacramone cooks up some heart healthy Modified Tubettini Fagioli.
Photos Jason D. Antos “The key here is portion control and watching your sodium intake,” Sacramone told the audience as he cooked from a stage set up at the head of the dining room.

Each portion of the Modified Tubettini Fagioli measures in at 350 calories per serving.

The next dish was baked Chilean Sea Bass. Instead of covering the fish with butter sauce, Sacramone found a way to apply a healthier substitute without losing flavor by adding sautéed cauliflower and chicken broth that was blended into a puree.

“Eating healthy is so important and watching your daily sodium count is crucial,” Caplowaith said.

The American Heart Association recommends a combination of exercise and good nutrition to help reduce the risk of heart disease and many other diseases. Eating lots of fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables and more fish and chicken and less red meat are also essential. Also important are the inclusion of fiber and whole grain breads and cereals and yogurt. Also recommended is a decrease in sugar intake.

“I am amazed at the turnout,” Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Mount Sinai Queens Shelly Felder said. “Tonight’s event is about teaching people to eat healthy without giving up the foods that you love.”